ASA appoints new head of world’s largest fishing trade show

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) has appointed a successor to Blake Swango to oversee the world’s largest fishing trade show.

Kendra Allman has joined the industry body for the recreational fishing industry as Vice President of Member Services and Business Development and will be responsible for ICAST in place of Swango who left the ASA in January after more than six years in the role..

Reporting to Glenn Hughes, President and CEO of the ASA, she will also be a member of the association’s Executive Team and oversee member benefits and revenue-generating programmes.

”Kendra comes to us with a wealth of knowledge as a seasoned association executive and creative thinker,” said Hughes. “She is the perfect complement to our expanding organisation and will be a key factor in the fulfilment of our growing membership and new business development strategies.” 

Allman has more than 25 years of experience in association management including meetings, events and high-end production. Having held leadership positions at top trade associations – including the National Grocers Association; National Association of Chain Drug Stores; National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association and National Waste & Recycling Association – she brings a proven ability to create engaging, mission-driven experiences.

“I’m looking forward to working with ASA’s members and the recreational fishing community where I can combine my professional expertise with a lifelong love of fishing,” Allman said. “I am really excited to be part of several new strategic initiatives to increase member engagement, help expand the sportfishing community and increase the association’s business development initiatives.” 

Allman first learned to fish with her father in Ocean City, MD, and went on to share her passion for fishing with her own family. She will be working out of ASA’s headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.